Masters Theses

Abstract

"Several biological molecules are known to form helices and coiled structures, such as DNA, collagen, bacterial flagella, and proteins. The backbones of such molecules may be modeled as a curve in three dimensions. A variational problem for the functional of the total free energy required to perturb moving curves in space is considered. The total energy of a curve in three dimensions is minimized y with a general intensive energy, which is a function of position, and the invariants, curvature and torsion. Three types of moduli are identified: stretching, bending and torsional moduli. As a result, three independent force balances are obtained which serve as the equilibrium conditions. Three cases are considered, the case of constant curvature and torsion (forming a helix), the case of no work done in banding the curve, and the case of no work done in twisting the curve. Stability analysis is performed leading to an unstable helix for the case of constant torsion and curvature. The other two cases are not analyzed due to the complexity of the results. It has been assumed that the moduli do not vary with position. However, a model has been provided for the case where the moduli vary slightly and can be used in the results obtained in order to obtain shapes of curves, where the curve will tend to bend to a natural curvature and torsion"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Neogi, P. (Partho), 1951-
Grow, David E.
Wang, Jee C.

Committee Member(s)

Forciniti, Daniel

Department(s)

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Chemical Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Fall 2011

Pagination

vii, 36 pages

Rights

© 2011 Pavan Krishna Kanchi, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Linear free energy relationshipMolecules -- ModelsMolecules -- Thermomechanical propertiesThree-dimensional imaging in biology

Thesis Number

T 9950

Print OCLC #

801691992

Electronic OCLC #

808628996

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